Writing cabinet



y 1939- E. c. DROVER 2,156,776 I WRITING CABINET Filed Oct. 6, 1937 1 H W"- 9 1 12' I ll L .ZkvenZor? 14 ET Dmh Patented May 2, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT oFFicE 1 Claim.

The invention relates to writing cabinets, the object being to provide a furniture cabinet with folding leaves constructed at right angles, which, when engaged, form writing leaves at a higher horizontal plane than the cabinet otherwise is, thereby affording a smaller type furniture piece with utility commonly found in furniture of an appreciably higher dimension.

Of the accompanying drawing forming a part of this specification, Figure 1 represents a perspective view of the cabinet as it appears when not in use other than a casual furniture piece; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the same, as it appears in condition for use, with the right angled leaves swung to a horizontal position forming writing leaves; Figure 3 is a vertical section showing the structural relation of the leaves in conjunction with the support arms underneath, both in the unfolded and folded position; and Figure 4 is a vertical section of the upper part of the cabinet showing the location of hinges.

The cabinet consists of rectangular framework, composed of two inner sides, connected by horizontal ribs also supporting a minor backing wall, all being secured to a base 2, resting on the lower frame 3; the two outer sides of the cabinet form the right-angled leaves 4 4, which are pivotally connected by ordinary hinges 5 5, or otherwise mounted, to the inner sides l I as mentioned above.

The right-angled leaves 4 4, previously referred to, can easily be manipulated by swinging the said leaves from vertical to a horizontal position, the same may be supported by ordinary arms as at 6 6, which are pivotally attached to the inner surface of the leaves by ordinary hinges as at l 1; the said arms when disengaged as shown in dotted lines in Figures 3, fold underneath the inner surface of the leaves when the leaves are retracted to their vertical position. Horizontal stops as at 8 8, having the outer ends project in proper proportion so as to receive the support arms 6 6 when swung to the down position, are secured to the inner sides I I, and also to the divisional panels 9 9 which have openings at the upper ends of relative proportion so as to allow ample clearance for the arms 6 6 when swung up or downwards. The said divisional panels serve two purposes, one, to support the weight centered at the horizontal stops 8-8 when the right-angled leaves are in the horizontal position, second, they form sectional compartments for magazines, drawing paper, etc.

The feature of this invention is perfectly carried out in the manner shown in Figure 2, where it will be seen that a cabinet having folding leaves constructed at right angles, having their axes at the extreme ends, or other parts, of the shorter angles, pivoted thereat to the sides of the 5 cabinet, when swung upwards from a vertical toa horizontal position, become a higher horizontal plane than the cabinet is otherwise. This improvement provides a smaller type furniture piece with facilities for writing, typewriting, drawing 10 and other purposes commonly found in furniture constructed of an appreciably higher dimension.

It will be readily seen that my cabinet, being of a lower structure, can be fittingly placed along the side of a chair, davenport or similar piece, instead of having to be confined to a wall spaceas is ordinarily true of a writing desk. The advantage of having a smaller furniture piece which can serve as the usual end table, or similar piece, and is easily convertible into a writing or working desk is readily apparent.

At the upper front part of the said cabinet is secured a curved lid H], as shown in Figures 2 and 4, pivotally attached, which, when swung slightly upward allows an ordinary sliding leaf II to be drawn forward. When the said sliding leaf is retracted, the lid swings down to conceal the leaf, and molds itself harmoniously as a part of the cabinet.

In about the center part of the cabinet is a sliding shelf I2. I When the swinging doors l3-l3 are completely opened, the said sliding shelf can be drawn forward, so as to allow a typewriter to be placed thereon which can be receded into the cabinet and stored away when not in use. The base of the cabinet is utilized by having a wide drawer M, which provides convenient storage space for a drawing board, drawing instruments, drawing papers, etc., and at the upper part of the cabinet is an ordinary drawer l5 serving as additional space for smaller articles as pencils, ink, poster colors, stationery or similar items.

I do not limit myself to the specific construction of the cabinet herein described, but may variously modify the same. For instance, I may pivotally mount the said right-angled leaves flush with the top of the cabinet if the said cabinet be constructed with a top forming a horizontal plane, instead of mounting the said leaves to a vertical side as in the present instance. The said cabinet may also be constructed so as to employ only one, or more, of the right-angled leaves if I so desire, instead of two as in the present instance, so that various models can be constructed to suit individual likings. 6

Having described the invention what is claimed as new is:

A cabinet or the like comprising a central body, a base for said body extending from one side thereof, a leaf arranged at one side of the body and including an elongated side piece and a short right angularly extending top piece, means hingedly securing the outer edge of the top piece to the side of the body adjacent to the upper surface of the body and above the part of the base which extends beyond the body whereby when the leaf is in lowered position the elongated side piece will be disposed in spaced parallel relation to one side of the body with its lower edge resting against the extended part of the base, and whereby when the leaf is in a raised position the elongated side piece will be disposed in parallel relation to the top of the body but in a plane above the top of the body, and means for detachably holding the leaf in a raised position.

EDMUND C. DROVER. 

